The Do's and Don'ts of Selling Your Home

Posted on September 26, 2017

When it comes time to put your home on the market, there are some serious things you need to do, and a few home selling faux pas you're going to want to avoid, especially if you want to buyers to take an interest. While many of the points mentioned below seem like common sense, they are the task most commonly overlooked by sellers.

Take a read through our list of do's and don'ts to make sure you stay on the right track when it comes to selling your home.

Do: Declutter Like Crazy

Having things cluttered and disorganized is a major distraction for buyers. Take the steps needed to declutter your space so the people viewing your house will feel how open and appealing it is. You may even want to consider staging your home to really boost its appeal.

Don't: Fail to Live Up to The Contract

If in the sales contact you've agreed to fix something before the new buyer moves in, you need to be prompt in making sure it gets done. Neglecting to do to so can create a huge hassle for both you and the new owner. Worst case scenario? You can have legality issues and/or lose the sale entirely.

Once you have something repaired, be sure to keep any and all documentation to present to the buyer, showing the work has been done.

Do: Declutter Some More...

When prospective buyers view your home, they are trying to picture themselves living there. Even if your house is well-organized, keeping a multitude of personal items on display makes this all the more difficult. Wherever possible, remove family photos, child and pet toys, clothing, shoes, and other personal items, storing them out of sight.

Don't: Be Negative

If you've opted for a sale by owner or are present when buyers come for viewings, be positive when it comes to any questions about your home. If they ask you why you're moving, make sure you put a pleasant spin on the move. Try not to complain or give details about any problems or flaws in the house as this could hinder the sale. But don't lie!

Do: Clean Up

Cleaning is the single most important factor for selling your home. Even if it's in great shape, an unkempt home will automatically make buyers believe it's not well cared for and likely has hidden problems. Buyers should be able to look at or touch anything in the house and notice it's spotless. And since you've already decluttered, be sure to also deep clean your homethoroughly.

Don't: Ignore The Competition

Lookonline to see if there are similar homes for sale in your area, as they're ultimately your competition. Do some research in order to get a handle on what's for sale and for how much, as well as what features are included in models similar to yours. This will not only give you an idea as to where you should set your asking price but what improvements you may want to consider to increase your home's value.

Keep the above tips in mind when it comes time to put your house on the market and you're sure to enjoy a much smoother selling process.